Training Needs Analysis & PDP
This page relates to Postgraduate Research students.
The Training Needs Analysis is sometimes also reffered to as the Self Assessment and Personal Development Plan (PDP)
Overview
Your Training Needs Analysis and Personal Development Plan (PDP) is based around the Researcher Development Framework (RDF). For each of the 12 sub-domains you will be asked to consider what skills you want to further develop. The sub-domains are very broad, so focus on one or two specific skills or attributes that will be useful for your research project and also your longer-term career. Identify resources or actions that will help you.
You should submit your Training Needs Analysis/PDP(s) as part of your evidence for Annual Progression. It is important to show that you have engaged with the process and are playing an active role in developing your skills.
You will probably find it beneficial to discuss your PDP with your supervisor(s).
Completing your Training Needs Analysis and PDP
As you go through each of the 12 sub-domains of RDF:
- Think about the skills you already have - hint: you might find it useful to write consise skills summaries in the "My Skills" section of your portfolio.
- Focus on one or two specific skills or attributes within the sub-domain, that will be useful to develop for your research project and also your longer-term career.
- Briefly identify the skills you want to devlop and why (you can keep this brief).
- Identify resources or actions that will help you (see below for ideas)
If desired you can edit the different sections A to D at different times.
From the resources/actions you identified what are your priorities?
Identifying Resources and Opportunities for Developing Skills
There are a wide range of development opportunities availaible to you, ranging from formal training to informal advice or self-directed learning resources.
Selected resources:
- Your supervisor(s)
- Faculty PG Trainng Programmes: HASS, SAgE, Medical Sciences
- Careers Service
- ncl+
- Vitae
Other Development Resources / Ideas
The following was adapted from material from the Careers Service.
Formal training is only one of many approaches available for personal and professional development. The following list aims to broaden your view on the opportunities for individual growth particularly in the areas of Communication, Personal Effectiveness, Networking & Teamworking.
It is not an exhaustive list and it is expected that you will explore other mechanisms to suit your individual circumstances and needs. All research programmes differ from one another and you will need to discuss the opportunities to develop the skills specific to your area of research with your supervisor.
PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
- Regularly set personal goals for yourself. Review your progress and plan how you will improve in other areas.
- Regularly meet with your supervisor and allocate time to communicate your goals and involve them in your development and career planning.
- Ask for feedback on your performance from your supervisor(s), trusted and respected academics, colleagues, your sponsor - and act on it.
- Find a mentor either formally or informally to help you manage your development and progression.
- Identify prominent researchers in your field and make contact to find out how they approach their work.
- Attend appropriate training courses from the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme.
- Undertake individual study eg an open learning programme, CPD
- Gain accreditation for a new skill eg IT, new language, teaching
- Test proven skills in an unfamiliar environment eg different audience, outdoor activity, new role or position of responsibility.
- Apply for small funding opportunities and awards eg GRADSchool sponsorship, travel bursaries, employer-led skills events.
- Attend a GRADSchool - whttp://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers (see Courses and Events)
- Arrange a secondment with an industry sponsor or partner to develop collaborative links/learn a new skill/work in a new environment.
KEEP INFORMED
- Regularly read peer reviewed journals in your field of research.
- Attend appropriate team/department/industry meetings.
- Ask to read successful grant proposals and applications.
- Join appropriate professional interest email groups and mailing lists for relevant research councils and professional bodies
DEVELOP OTHERS
- Offer to review colleagues work eg progress reports, articles.
- Undertake demonstrating and/or teaching duties
- Coach someone in a new task.
- Design and deliver training for colleagues and/or staff.
- Act as a mentor for an undergraduate or prospective PhD student.
- Participate in the Researchers in Residence programme.
TEAM WORKING
- Attend a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) workshop.
- Participate in a business game or simulation.
- Join a committee.
- Take on a role (eg minute taker, chair, ad hoc tasks) within any committee or working groups that you sit on.
- Attend a GRADSchool - whttp://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers (See Courses and Events)
- Volunteer to take on additional responsibilities within your school that allow you to work with others eg open day activities, demonstrating, teaching or administrative duties.
ACCEPT NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
- Volunteer to assist overworked colleagues, supervisor or staff with tasks that offer new and appropriate learning opportunities eg proof read grant applications, draft research articles and papers.
- Deputise for a colleague or member of staff.
- Take office as an individual and use the skills you have acquired in your research eg resident student tutor, chair of a club or society.
- Serve on an industry/research link committee.
- Undertake a work placement eg Learning by Doing.
COMMUNICATION
- Contribute regularly to seminar programmes and discussion groups.
- Practise talking to a range of people & audiences about your research.
- Take advantage of opportunities to raise awareness of your research eg UKGRAD Poster Competition
- Act as a host to visitors from external organisations.
- Write an article for a newsletter, journal or periodical.
- Publish and contribute to relevant research publications.
- Start a newsletter to raise awareness of …..
- Contribute to the wider understanding of your discipline through participation on the Researchers in Residence programme.
BUILD & USE NETWORKS
- Attend a training session on ‘Networking’
- Establish a network of contacts in your area of research.
- Visit other research groups to find out how they are approaching their work and identify potential areas for collaboration.
- Join professional bodies and take advantage of what help they offer.
- Actively participate in your appropriate professional body.
- Attend a conference and establish at least one new contact working in your area of research.
- Attend presentations from external organisations and visitors.
- Negotiate time to attend conferences and make a visible contribution.
- Organise a regular discussion/seminar programme for researchers in your school.